Wellbeing

Romans 5:1-2 So now, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith in his promises, we can have real peace with him because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.

Some time ago an artist wanted to find a man that would represent the prodigal. One day, walking up the streets, he met a poor beggar, and the thought occurred to him: “That man would represent the prodigal.” He told him what he wanted, and found the beggar was ready to come to his place of business and sit for his painting, if he would pay him for his time. The man appeared on the day appointed, but the artist did not recognise him. He said: “You made an appointment with me.” “No,” says the artist; “I never saw you before.”

“You are mistaken; you did see me and made an appointment with me.” “No; it must be some other artist. I have an appointment to meet a beggar here at this hour.” “Well,” says the beggar, “I am the man.” “You the man!” “Yes.” “What have you been doing?”

“Well, I thought I would get a new suit of clothes before I got painted.” “Well,” said the artist, “I don’t want you!”

Wesley spoke about the act of coming to the rail to partake in holy communion  as a converting ordinance. In other words giving credence to the notion of , “come as you are!” Didn’t Jesus speak in similar terms when he said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The message)

In times of weakness and hour of need,

yours is the strength by which we carry on,

the shoulder we rest our head upon.

When our load is heavy and too much to bear,

yours are the arms stretched out to help us

the grace that we depend on.

In times of weakness and hour of need,

your voice is heard,

‘Come… find rest.’

This is grace divine,

the path we tread to wholeness

of body and spirit,

the path that leads to you,

and for which we offer our offering of praise. Amen